‘The LORD will take delight in you’ (Isaiah 62:4)

Is it possible that such poor, depraved, unworthy creatures can be the objects of God’s delight? YES – the infinite love of God has been fixed upon us; He sent His only begotten Son to die for us; He sent His Holy Spirit into our hearts; and gave us a good hope through grace.

Hear the Apostle: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His GREAT LOVE for us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4). God views us in Jesus, and loves us with an infinite love. Yes, He has loved us as He has loved Him.

Every believer, though their faith may be weak, their fears many, their corruptions strong, their troubles great, and their temptations sore, is the object of God’s delight. Let us therefore endeavour to pass through today, yes and every day, believing and realising: “I am God’s delight; the object of His highest love; the subject of His sweetest thoughts; and His portion for evermore”.

O incomparable privilege! Source of comfort, holiness and love! You have more cause for gratitude than an angel.

God, the eternal mighty God,
To dear names descends,
Calls you his treasure and his joy,
His children and his friends.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘All this while the Lord was working by me, and many souls were converted and brought to God, the congregation increased and pecuniary difficulties vanished. In December, I was dismissed from the church at Brentford, to the church in Cheltenham, and was solemnly ordained over it as its pastor on Tuesday, May 26, 1829.

After my ordination I went on preaching the word in the town and villages around, many were converted to God, and others were built up and edified’.